Transforming Family Care: A Single Case Study on the Psychological Impact of Family-Based Intervention for Persons with Disabilities

This single case study explores the effectiveness of a structured family-based intervention in enhancing the mental health of persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the Malaysian familial context. Grounded in the recognition that family systems are central to caregiving in Malaysia, the study involved a multigenerational family caring for two disabled children one with a learning disability and another with a physical impairment. The objectives were to examine the psychological impact of the intervention on the PWDs and to assess how family dynamics influence mental health support. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four family members and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Seven key themes emerged: role reconfiguration, emotional coping and resilience, perceived psychological gains in the disabled members, improved intra-family communication, ongoing structural and emotional barriers, empowerment through caregiving identity, and emerging advocacy. Findings revealed that the intervention enhanced family cohesion, emotional support, and caregiving coordination, leading to improved psychological outcomes in both PWDs. However, systemic barriers such as financial strain and lack of external services limited long-term impact. The study affirms that family-based interventions can serve as a low-cost, culturally congruent model for psychosocial support in Malaysia, but must be integrated with broader structural support to ensure sustainability and scalability. These findings have implications for the development of inclusive mental health and disability care policies that formally recognize and strengthen family caregiving ecosystems.